With more than 150 architecture, design, hotel and restaurant professionals in attendance at the March 6 event, the inaugural awards honored hoteliers, restaurants, licensed architects and designers whose work showcased design excellence in Miami’s hospitality and design industries.

“Through our support and that of AIA Miami, Oberhausen Marketing & PR and Hospitality Design magazine, the awards recognized the wonderful diversity and design excellence that continues to put Miami’s hospitality industry on the world map,” GMBHA president and CEO Wendy Kallergis said in a statement.

Nearly 100 submissions were received across 18 categories, and winners were selected by a group of industry leader, including Linda Lentz, senior editor, Architectural Record; critic and author Alastair Gordon; and Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, editor in chief, Hospitality Design magazine.

Of all the entries, the judges felt that two qualified for special commendation above and beyond the prescribed design categories. The Vagabond Hotel and The Betsy Hotel South Beach, both received special awards for their stellar work in effectively transforming the fabric of a city. Both projects have played a significant role in re-imagining and reviving their respective neighborhoods.

“We were in total agreement with the judges in honoring The Vagabond and The Betsy,” said AIA Miami executive vice-president Cheryl Jacobs. “We are so proud of all our deserving winners and the support provided to our architecture and design community.”